Ranches played a pivotal role in Alberta’s history, shaping its economy, culture, and identity. The industry took root in the late 19th century when the Canadian government encouraged large-scale cattle ranching to support settlement and food production. Influenced by the open-range systems of the American West, early ranchers benefited from vast grasslands, mild winters, and government policies that provided land for grazing. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s further fueled the industry by improving access to markets. Over time, ranching evolved from free-range operations to more structured, sustainable practices, cementing Alberta’s reputation as a hub for high-quality beef production. Today, the legacy of ranching continues to thrive, blending tradition with modern innovation.
Alberta’s first large-scale ranch was the Cochrane Ranche, which began operating in 1881. The Cochrane Ranche paved the way for other historic ranches, including the Oxley, Waldron, and Bar U. Some of the larger, more popular ranches have received their own posts (see links below), while this collection is dedicated to some of Alberta’s smaller historical outfits. Whether it was due to size, remote location, or simply not enough photos to justify their own story, this selection of photographs is a visual representation of Alberta’s rich ranching tradition.
For even more ranching content, please view these previous stories including, Vintage Photographs of the Historic Oxley Ranch, Wild Jobs: Horse Rancher, Vintage Photographs from the Bar U Ranch, Legendary Cowboy: John Ware, and Vintage Photographs from the First Calgary Stampede.
